MEDIA reports had given the impression that he had lied about contributions received from Mr Ben Dunne, a Fianna Fail TD told the tribunal. Mr Colm Hilliard said no clarification could heal the hurt to himself and his family arising from the suggestion that he had received £4,000 from Mr Dunne.
Before the Meath TD took the stand, counsel for Fianna Fail, Mr Rory Brady SC, said Mr Hilliard had received no money whatsoever from Mr Ben Dunne or Dunnes Stores. He said Mr Hilliard had organised a golf tournament in Meath and Mr Duane had contributed £1,000. The overall profit from the tournament was £4,000. Mr Hilliard was anxious that the matter be clarified immediately.
Mr Hilliard then took the stand and was referred by Mr Michael Collins SC, counsel for the tribunal, to a letter he had written to the tribunal on March 4th. In it he had said he received a cheque for £1,000 in April or May 1989 but was not now absolutely clear if it was made payable to him and signed by Ben Duane.
The letter added that the money had gone towards a Co Meath Fianna Fail golf tournament, the proceeds of which were divided as follows: £3,000 to the Meath Comhairle Dail Ceanntair, and £1,000 to the Navan Cumann.
Mr Collins put it to Mr Hilliard that the £1,000 cheque was not given to him personally but was a contribution to the Fianna Fail fundraising event and was included in the £4,000 raised.
Mr Hilliard said the payment was included in the overall sum contributed to the golf competition and not just in the £4,000 profit. The reports in the media had upset his family and hurt him personally.
They had given the impression to the public, especially in his constituency, that he had told lies because the people were aware that he had already declared that he had got a contribution of £1,000.
"Now the people think I got another £4,000 on top of that one, and the next thing is the people will not be satisfied until they come to the conclusion I got more," he added. "I don't think any correction made here can clarify the hurt it has given to me and my family."
Mr Collins said if it was any consolation the matter had been clarified at the tribunal on Tuesday, and there was no dispute with Mr Duane concerning the facts. Mr Hilliard repeated that no clarification could heal the hurt caused.
The tribunal chairman, Mr Justice McCracken, said the tribunal could only ensure the matter was cleared up as quickly as possible. He was sure the press would take note of Mr Hilliard's concerns. Mr Hilliard, who is not contesting the forthcoming election, said he was very grateful to the tribunal.